Michigan Disaster Services Volunteers & Staff Awards

We think – what are the needs? Then we can think of a strategy. We can go in and say to a resident, ‘I don’t want to monopolize your time, we’ll get in, install your smoke detector and get back out in five minutes. But you only have two minutes to get out in the event of a fire.’ Then you can use that strategy, especially for kids, to connect with the importance of smoke detectors. It’s something that saves lives. And that’s rewarding.”

Kenneth Marks

When you get to the Red Cross there’s so many options of what you can do. There’s a role for everyone. There are opportunities to make a difference if you look – and you will make a difference.”

Susan London

Without Susan’s lead, many of us in SW Michigan would not deploy. She knows all the classes DAT responders need, who has kept up, who needs more training. She constantly watches the door for openings and seems to know who would be a good fit. She also is a tireless advocate for community engagement. She is the reason I have continued with the Red Cross.

Fellow Volunteer, Nominator

The Red Cross gives you the ability to help people on their worst day. Even if you’re not the person on the scene, I love being able to support those volunteers and others on the ground so that their jobs are easier and less difficult. They are dropping everything within 24 hours they are giving up weeks of their lives to help this mission. It is amazing to be part of that. It is truly a team effort.”

Nicole Pribbernow

We’re a piece of the puzzle when it comes to disaster response. We do immediate help and then we refer people to other resources to help a family out, which makes a difference. It’s a chance to give back to the community and to help others that are less fortunate. You’re fulfilling a purpose and serving others.”

Steve Leudders

Liz was exceptional in her work ethic and skill in securing medication and equipment for our clients when their medical needs became apparent. Her creativity and perseverance was greatly noticed during the Detroit flooding and other disasters, and is only rivaled by her dedication to the clients. She executes her duties with great compassion while always attempting to alleviate suffering.”

Fellow Volunteer, Nominator

There’s a lot of training and a lot of mentoring that goes on at the Red Cross. You never know the job until you get out there. We always make sure we know how to use the tools we have available to us to do the best work we can for people and the Red Cross, to work together to help.”

Bob Wilson